Retaining device



May 30, 1933. H, HEUER I 1,911,447

IIIIIIIIIIIII CE Filed Dec. 5, 1.931

NNNNNN OR Lawrence H. Hcuer' fore applying.

Patented May 30, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT Q LAWRENCE H. HEUER, or DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO .L. A. YO NG'ASPRI Q AND WIRE CORPORATION, or DETROIT, I HIGAN RETAINING DEVICE Application filed December 5,1931, Serial No. 579. 152.

The main object of my invention is to provide a retaining device that is simple and economical in construction yet highly efficient and effective in operation.

Another object is to provide a key for grooved bolts or pins or the like, which may be quickly applied and is very strong and secure.

Objects relating to details and economies of my invention will appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure which is a preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. l is a side elevation of a retaining device embodying my invention, the parts secured being indicated by the dotted lines.

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, a portion of the end of the bolt being broken away and shown in longitudinal vertical section, taken on a line corresponding to line 2-2 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is a transverse section taken on line 3-3 of Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the key before closing, and

Fig. 5 is a perspective View of the key be- Referring to the drawing, numeral 1 indicates a pin or bolt having an enlarged head 2 at one end thereof and a peripheral groove 3 near the other end. The groove 3 is provided with the key 4 of bendable metal having a semi-circular flat central portion 5 opposite the opening 6 between the ends 7 thereof.

The flat central portion 5 constitutes a tongue engageable with the groove 3, the flat portion being disposed within the groove 3 as illustrated. The opening 6 between the ends 7 is large enough to permit the key to he slipped onto the pin until the flattened portion registers with the groove. The ends 7 are then drawn toward each other so as to substan ially close the opening 6 and to bring the relatively wide unflattened portions 8 of the key into supporting engagement with the pin drawing the portion 5 into the groove. The portions 8 being relativelywider than'the groove 3 engage the edges thereof and prevent the key fromfslipping relative toxthe groove. 'Rattling of the key in the groove is also obviated and this is a decided advantage when the .-bolt is used in automotive c'onstructionssuch as conventional automobiles and thelike; I

While the keys, as described above, may be made in any suitable manner, I prefer to make them in the following] manner; Wire stock of the proper size, and material is first formed into acoilor spiral and .the loops thereof are cut from the spiral and feel I to a suitablepress to flatten the semi-circular gportions 5, as described above. The-enlarged portions 8 may befiattened slightly as illustratedrto bring the ends-7 .of the washer into annular alineinent witheach other.

. My Improved retaining means. may be adapted to secure the members 9 in assembled relation in an efiicient manner and without fear of the loosening or rattling of the retaining means in use.

It is obvious that various changes and modifications may bemade. in the 1 detailsof construction and design of the above specifically described embodiments of my in? Having thus described my invention, what a I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A device of the class described, comprising a split ring having a flattened semicircular tongue-like portion opposite the opening between the ends thereof, which opening may be closed after the ring is passed over a stud and said flattened tonguelike portion disposed in a peripheral groove therein by drawing said ends together the end portions being of sufiicient thickness to prevent their entering the groove.

2. An article of the class described, comprising a bolt provided with a peripheral groove, and a split metal key having a groove engaging portion opposite the opening between the ends thereof disposed in said groove, the ends of said key being drawn together to substantially close said opening,

the end portions of said key being Wider than said groove, whereby to hold said key in said groove.

3. An article of the class described, coin? prising a'bolt provided with a peripheral groove, and a split key having a flattened portion disposed in said groove and an unflattened portion wider than said groove engaging the edges thereof and preventing lateral movement of said key relative to said groove.

4. A locking key for bolts or pins having annular grooves therein in the form of a splitring having an intermediate portion of a thickness permitting its entrance to the groove of the pin to be secured, and end portions of a thickness exceeding the Width of 2 the groove so that the end portions may be clamped upon'the pin and act to draw and retain the inter-mediate portion Within the groove. I

- 5., A locking key for bolts or pins having 251 annulargrooves therein in the form of a split ring having a portion of a thickness permitting its entrance to the groove of the pin to be secured, and a' portion of a thickness exceeding the Width of the groove so that the last named portion may be clamped upon the pin and act to draw and retain the first named portion ithin the groove.

6..A device of the class described, comprising a split ring having a flattened portion opposite the opening between the ends thereof, which opening may be closed afterv the ring is passed over a stud and said flats tened portion disposed in a groove therein by drawing said ends together, the end por- 40I tions being of sufiicient thickness to prevent their entering the groove.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand. I v HLAWRENCE H. HEUER. 

